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Advice

Are You Guilty?

Posted June 15 2017

Preparation is a key part of job interview success — even for experienced candidates. No matter how many interviews you’ve been on, no one is immune to mistakes.

If you’re searching for a new job, you have to take the interview process seriously. Knowing you blundered an interview doesn’t feel good whether you’re entry level or have decades of experience, so spare yourself the embarrassment and lay the groundwork for success.

These interview blunders are common among candidates at all levels. Put them on your radar now, so you don’t inadvertently commit them.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Choose Your Attire

You have a suit hanging in the back of your closet you’re planning to pull out on interview day. However, waiting until the big day to inspect your attire and try it on is a major don’t. The suit might not fit anymore, your dress shirt could be wrinkled or you might remember you didn’t dry clean it after your last wear.

Failing to Conduct Background Research

It’s important to go into a job interview with as much knowledge as possible about the company and the interviewer. You will be asked how much you know about the organization and if you can’t even spout off basic stats — products and services, markets served, brief history — it will appear you’re not really interested.

Using LinkedIn and other social media sites to learn about the hiring manager can help you forge a bond. For example, if you find out you have the same hometown, find a way to stealthily work this into conversation.

Preparing Responses to Basic Interview Questions Only

Every candidate knows it’s important to formulate responses to standard questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What is your greatest weakness?” but great interviewers go deeper. Prepare to answer situational questions that help the interviewer determine your fit for the job. Some of these include “Describe a time when your workload was especially heavy and explain how you managed it” or “How have you handled a previous clash with a colleague?”

Neglecting to Ask Questions

Many candidates don’t realize that a job interview is a two-way street. Although the hiring manager is interviewing you, you should also have questions prepared for them. Not only does this help you determine if the position is the right fit for you, it also shows interest in the job. Interviewers expect you to ask questions, and if you don’t, they’ll assume you’re not that excited about it.

Exhibiting Poor Body Language

Body language speaks volumes, so pay close attention to the vibes you’re sending. Appear confident, open and engaged in the conversation by sitting up straight, maintaining eye contact and avoiding crossing your arms. You can have the best responses of any candidate, but if you send mixed nonverbal cues, you probably won’t get the job.

1/25Selecting the Right References-When a potential employer asks you to submit a list of references, you know things are going quite well. In most cases, you won’t be asked to provide references unless you’re one of the top contenders, so take this as a good sign. Anything but a formality, the references you choose will either reinforce the... Read more »

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1/18Three Questions to Help You Learn a Candidate’s Ethical Standards-The reputation of your company relies heavily on the employees that keep it running. One bad apple can tarnish your brand forever, so you have to make sure each person you hire is willing and able to uphold the ethical standards of your organization. Along with screening for skills and cultural fit, it’s essential to... Read more »

1/16Hiring Light Industrial Employees During a Talent Shortage-Today’s labor market is tougher than ever when it comes to hiring light industrial employees. The good news is: With a little creative thinking, you can succeed and emerge a winner in the highly competitive manufacturing talent war. The Skills Gap According to a recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) report, more than 75... Read more »

1/11Don’t Make These Resume Mistakes!-First impressions are everything, and your resume is the first one you’ll make on the hiring manager who will decide your employment fate. Ultimately, you don’t have control over whether you’re invited for an interview, but you can increase your chances by submitting the best possible resume. 4 Resume Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make... Read more »

1/9Why Should You Start Planning Your Hiring Strategy?-In today’s job market, competition for top talent is fierce. You can’t head forward blindly, without a rock-solid hiring strategy that will support your company’s business plan and objectives. Otherwise, you risk losing the best candidates … and they may never look back. Get Ahead of the Game Develop your plan for the next six,... Read more »

1/4Use Numbers to Stand Out as a Candidate-If your cover letter and resume do not currently contain numbers, it’s time to make a change. A savvy way to enhance your credibility, quantifying your experience can give you a competitive edge, regardless of the type of job you’re trying to secure. Numbers don’t lie, so hiring managers really take them seriously. Everything from... Read more »

1/2What Are Your Biggest Hiring Obstacles?-Your company’s success depends on the talent you recruit and hire. If you’re not using the right strategies, you may be missing out on top candidates. Which obstacles stand in your way, and how can you overcome them? What NOT to Do In your efforts to hire the best, you may not be: Looking in... Read more »

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12/27Does Your Company Culture Keep Employees Engaged?-Companies with the most engaged employees are those that go the extra mile to build a positive culture and sense of community in the workplace. Regardless of their size or budget, they emphasize recognition and positive reinforcement as a means to achieving cultural excellence. Focus on What’s Right It’s easy, as a manager, to fall... Read more »